This article by Annie Flanzraich first appeared on plan my getaway (12/5/17).
When it comes to holiday shopping, I always begin my search for the perfect presents close to home. In addition to supporting local artisans and business owners, buying gifts made nearby allows me to share a little piece of the place I love. Here’s what’s on my list to give this season to friends and family.
Casey D. Sibley Art + Design
Charming is the perfect word to describe the textile masterpieces Casey Sibley creates. She designs the whimsical patterns you’ll see on each and every home decor item or accessory in her shop, Casey D. Sibley Art + Design. All her products are handmade in Reno in small, made-to-order runs to ensure quality and cut down on waste. And, each product is designed and built to last a lifetime. caseydsibley.com
High Desert Botanicals
Up the hipster street cred of your BFF’s bar with a make-your-own bitters kit from High Desert Botanicals, a small shop run by Janel Johnson and Reese Tietje of Carson City. Each kit contains special ingredients and the equipment needed to create your own bitters. Janel and Reese started making bitters kits when they first tried to make cocktail bitters at home and had to order huge quantities of special ingredients. Now, they pack up more manageable amounts and ship them to other aspiring mixologists. highdesertbotanicals.com
Honey & Goldies
If you know someone whose love for the Silver State deserves to be reflected in silver (or gold, or rose gold), then Honey & Goldies handcrafted jewelry is the ticket. Designer Lindsay Knowlton creates each piece to evoke the charm and mystery of the desert west. Honey & Goldies also offers made to order items and complete custom orders. Check out the shop on California Avenue in Reno to see jewels by Honey & Goldies and handmade pieces by other artists. honeyandgoldies.com
Tahoe Nevada Love
Every time I walk into Tahoe Nevada Love’s shop, I want to beg owners Ashley and Adam Sayre for one of everything. The locally designed and crafted clothing and accessories encapsulate the laid back, mountain vibe of Reno and Tahoe to a T. Speaking of T’s, pick up one of the thermals TNL sells during the winter for the most comfortable shirt you’ll ever own. (And grab me one too while you’re at it, mine’s getting holes in the elbows).tahoenevadalove.com
Tahoe Timber
Tahoe Timber makes sunglasses from sustainably harvested reclaimed and renewable materials. Mike Wilhelm and Cole Johnson founded the company on a combination of love of outdoor fun and functional fashion. Their shades are made from either downed timber sustainably harvested from the Tahoe National Forest, sustainably harvested hardwoods or bamboo. Oh, did I mention that they float? tahoetimber.com
Trunk Show
Tucked away in the Cobblestone Center in Tahoe City, Trunk Show offers locally made art, jewelry, and stuff — which is probably the most accurate word to describe the wide variety of options the store offers. In the shop, you’ll find handcrafted jewelry, beautiful pottery, aromatherapy products, unique housewares and more, all created by artists and makers in Tahoe, Truckee, Reno and other parts of California. tahoetrunkshow.com
Well, I’ve made my list and checked it twice. How about you?